Fried Noodles
Fried Noodles are a delightful and satisfying dish that brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to your table. On busy weeknights or whenever you crave something comforting yet tasty, this recipe is your go-to option. With a mix of proteins, veggies, and those beloved noodles, it’s a fantastic way to whip up a meal that’s both quick and delicious. I still remember the first time I tried making Fried Noodles at home; the way the ingredients melded together created a soulful dish that felt like a warm hug on a plate.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to give this Fried Noodles recipe a whirl. For starters, it’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for hectic weeknights when you need something filling but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Additionally, it’s budget-friendly: you can easily find the ingredients at your local grocery store, and many of them may already be staples in your pantry.
This recipe is also highly customizable. Whether you want to use chicken, turkey, or even tofu as your protein, feel free to mix and match based on your preferences or what’s available. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies—kids often don’t notice the shredded cabbage and vibrant carrots, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
"I made this Fried Noodles recipe for my family, and they couldn’t get enough! It has quickly become our favorite weeknight dinner." – Happy Home Cook
Step-by-step overview
Making Fried Noodles is simpler than you might think! You’ll start by prepping your ingredients, which makes the cooking process smooth and easy. Once everything is ready, the assembly happens quickly—cooking your protein, sautéing the veggies, and then tossing in the noodles and sauce. Here’s how it all breaks down:
- Prepare all your ingredients, ensuring everything is chopped and ready to go.
- Cook your chicken until it’s golden brown.
- Add the garlic and veggies, cooking until they’re vibrant and tender.
- Toss in the noodles, water, and sauce, mixing until everything is beautifully coated and heated through.
What you’ll need
Let’s gather the ingredients that will make your Fried Noodles a hit:
- 200g /6 oz chicken breast or thigh fillets (thinly sliced, tenderize if necessary for extra tenderness)
- 4 cups green cabbage (finely shredded)
- 1 1/2 tbsp peanut oil (or other cooking oil)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 200g /6 oz chow mein noodles (try to find fresh ones if available)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
- 3 green onions (cut into 5cm/2" pieces)
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) water
- 2 tsp cornflour / cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light)
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (or substitute with Hoisin)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin, adjust sugar if using Mirin)
- 2 tsp sugar (reduce to 1 tsp if using Mirin)
- 1/2 tsp sesame oil
- White pepper (black pepper can work as a substitute)
Step-by-step instructions
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Prepare the chicken: In a pan, heat 1 tbsp of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken when hot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining oil, followed by the chopped garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the vegetables: Toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender yet still crisp.
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Blend in the noodles: Introduce the chow mein noodles to the pan, breaking up any clumps, ensuring they mix well with the veggies.
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Create the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the water, cornflour/cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, and sugar. Pour this mix over the noodles, quickly tossing everything together to coat.
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Finish it off: Add the bean sprouts and a splash of sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and combined.
Best ways to enjoy it
Fried Noodles can be a standalone meal, but there are lovely ways to elevate your dining experience. Serve them in bowls and top with additional green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of sriracha can add a delightful kick. Pair your Fried Noodles with a side of spring rolls or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing touch.
How to store
Storing your leftover Fried Noodles is a breeze! First, let the noodles cool down to room temperature to prevent condensation from forming in the storage container. Transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh even longer, you can freeze them. Just ensure they’re in a freezer-safe container and consumed within a month for the best taste.
When reheating, a quick stir in a pan with a splash of water can help rejuvenate the noodles without drying them out.
Helpful cooking tips
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes before cooking. This not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the protein.
- Keep your heat high to ensure you achieve the perfect stir-fried texture: slightly crisp vegetables and soft, flavorful noodles.
- Experiment with various vegetables based on the season or what you have on hand—bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas all work wonderfully.
Creative twists
You can easily reinvent this recipe based on your tastes or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or jackfruit. A touch of chili flakes can add some heat for spice lovers. To switch it up, try an Asian-inspired twist by adding hoisin sauce or even a splash of coconut milk for a richer flavor.
Your questions answered
What’s the prep time for Fried Noodles?
You can typically prepare and cook this dish in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying option.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While chow mein noodles are traditional, feel free to swap with rice noodles or even whole grain pasta for a different texture and taste.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Choose gluten-free soy sauce and verify the noodles are also gluten-free. Rice noodles can be an excellent alternative!
Embrace the joy of cooking with this Fried Noodles recipe, and remember, it’s all about making it your own! Whether you stick to the classic version or explore variations, you’re guaranteed a dish that brings satisfaction and delight.
Fried Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the chicken: In a pan, heat 1 tbsp of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken when hot and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining oil, followed by the chopped garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender yet still crisp.
- Blend in the noodles: Introduce the chow mein noodles to the pan, breaking up any clumps, ensuring they mix well with the veggies.
- Create the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the water, cornflour/cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cooking wine, and sugar. Pour this mix over the noodles, quickly tossing everything together to coat.
- Finish it off: Add the bean sprouts and a splash of sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and combined.
